Boat fenders in Dubai include cylindrical, round, flat and inflatable fenders plus covers, socks and fender lines. Fender size follows boat length and berth exposure, and UV protection matters because Gulf sunlight degrades unprotected PVC quickly. Suppliers stock standard sizes and can source large yacht fenders and custom covers to order.
A widely used starting point is one inch of fender diameter per foot of boat length, then size up if the berth is exposed to wash or swell. A 40 ft yacht typically runs 40 cm-class fenders; heavier displacement or wash-exposed berths justify larger.
Four as a minimum on a typical yacht, six for exposed or busy berths, plus one or two spares for rafting up. Also keep a portable fender board for pile and quay berths.
It is strongly recommended. Covers slow UV degradation, prevent squeaking, and stop the black scuff marks that bare PVC leaves on white topsides. They also make the fenders last several seasons longer in Gulf sun.
Small punctures and valve leaks in inflatable fenders can often be repaired. Large seam failures are usually not economically repairable. Check valves annually — most 'deflating' fenders are simply loose valves.
Standard sizes are stocked locally. Large-diameter fenders for superyachts and custom-branded covers are typically ordered in, with lead times of one to a few weeks.
Out of direct sun where possible, slightly under-inflated if stored in extreme heat, and rinsed with fresh water before stowing. Heat expands trapped air and can stress seams on fully inflated fenders left on deck.